Home Energy Pros2015-08-02T19:04:49ZRobert Zockoffhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/bzockoffhttp://api.ning.com:80/files/LTtsuq0gKD2m5xT8oozckFVBhP9MX08XRCDj*B3h--msmJVC3Pc6D7zLDx9yW-03qg-fJmtp1R-FrAB79eOVJUC5L0fKFZPy/Rationalpostcard.GIF?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/group/wrightsoft_manual_j_manual_d/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0f8ewvlnoo8dk&feed=yes&xn_auth=noCan you trust your Load Calc Software?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-02-18:6069565:Topic:1498112014-02-18T20:26:22.877ZRobert Zockoffhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/bzockoff
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Attention Wrightsoft Users!</b></p>
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<div><p> Have you ever completed a load calculation and it just seems like it was short of what you had expected? Particularly when you are first starting out with a tool, contractors can make mistakes. After all, we tend to learn "the hard way", right? In an effort to make software work, the companies tend to start with some default values that require adjustment. For instance, most have the duct system in…</p>
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<div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Attention Wrightsoft Users!</b></p>
</div>
<div><p> Have you ever completed a load calculation and it just seems like it was short of what you had expected? Particularly when you are first starting out with a tool, contractors can make mistakes. After all, we tend to learn "the hard way", right? In an effort to make software work, the companies tend to start with some default values that require adjustment. For instance, most have the duct system in the conditioned space calculating zero gains or losses. If the ducts were in the attic, this could be as much as a one ton load that is missed! Internal gains tend to start at zero, and the foreground for windows is something between crushed rock and green grass. Most contractors find these values, over time and as they gain experience with the program. One still overlooked setting in Wrightsoft, a feature that no other ACCA approved software employs, is the Rate Swing Multiplier (RSM). This can cause you to lose as much as 11% of your sensible gains in an otherwise perfect load calculation, maybe more!</p>
<p><a href="http://excessair.blogspot.com/2014/02/can-you-trust-your-load-calc-software.html" target="_blank">Read More</a></p>
</div> How Manual-J's Can Lead to Under-Sized Ductstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-07-06:6069565:Topic:886472012-07-06T13:48:36.838ZRobert Zockoffhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/bzockoff
<p>It difficult to imagine something bad happening as a result of doing something we feel is so good. But here's what is bound to happen, at least a few times...</p>
<ol>
<li>A manual-j load calculation is produced by an HVAC contractor or third party.</li>
<li>The default CFM values are left in place for the final report.</li>
<li>This report is handed off to someone that sizes the ductwork in the field.</li>
<li>They use the CFM numbers on the Manual-J report to size the ducts.</li>
<li>Ducts…</li>
</ol>
<p>It difficult to imagine something bad happening as a result of doing something we feel is so good. But here's what is bound to happen, at least a few times...</p>
<ol>
<li>A manual-j load calculation is produced by an HVAC contractor or third party.</li>
<li>The default CFM values are left in place for the final report.</li>
<li>This report is handed off to someone that sizes the ductwork in the field.</li>
<li>They use the CFM numbers on the Manual-J report to size the ducts.</li>
<li>Ducts are installed.</li>
<li>Equipment is selected to meet the total cooling load, as shown on the Manual-J report.</li>
<li>The equipment that is to be installed is the next available size.</li>
<li>This system blows more air that what was represented on the Manual-J report.</li>
<li>System is installed.</li>
<li>Balancing report is completed for ESv3. Actual CFM numbers are quite a bit larger than the targets - more than the 20% difference allowed. </li>
<li>Ducts are too small for the system installed. Transfer grilles are too small. System performance is low, due to low airflow.</li>
</ol>
<p>We need to make sure that our TARGET CFM #'s on the Manual-J reports are representative of the ACTUAL amount of air the system will be moving around the house. This means that the installing contractor may need to modify the CFM targets to match the installed equipment. If you're a rater, and you're working on a Version 3 ENERGY STAR project, be sure you keep these things in mind when you're measuring transfer grille sizes or critiquing a balancing report.</p>
<p><a href="http://homeenergypartners.com/manual-j-lead-undersized-ductwork/" target="_blank">Here's a post I recently did on this topic</a>. Check it out. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic!</p> Attic insulation vs. Insulated roof decktag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-05-17:6069565:Topic:850612012-05-17T19:29:43.487ZRobert Zockoffhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/bzockoff
<p>Can anyone tell me how Wrtightsoft treat a a insulated roof deck compared to a insulated flat attic.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me how Wrtightsoft treat a a insulated roof deck compared to a insulated flat attic.</p> Support licensing in 2011tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-06-10:6069565:Topic:436732011-06-10T20:49:57.381ZRobert Zockoffhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/bzockoff
<p>I previously purchased a license for Wrightsoft. Now that they have gone to an annual support fee in 2011, they won't even give me a new license key when I reloaded the software on the same machine after a crash. I understand the need to charge for support services, but demanding a suport fee just to re-activate a key seems excessive.</p>
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<p>Anyone have similar issues lately? I'm not sure that I'll renew their support just for the key activation. Other products are available and…</p>
<p>I previously purchased a license for Wrightsoft. Now that they have gone to an annual support fee in 2011, they won't even give me a new license key when I reloaded the software on the same machine after a crash. I understand the need to charge for support services, but demanding a suport fee just to re-activate a key seems excessive.</p>
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<p>Anyone have similar issues lately? I'm not sure that I'll renew their support just for the key activation. Other products are available and better for the non-hvac users like us.</p>
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